While many Penn students are trekking through snow to participate in recruitment events for the InterFraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council, some others are considering an alternative -- the Bicultural Inter-Greek Council.
The BIG-C is the growing umbrella organization governing minority fraternities and sororities on Penn's and other universities' campuses.
Despite their often overlooked presence on campus, the BIG-C continues to attract more students each year.
"I have a very big background with different cultural organizations," said College freshman Ashley Torres, who is likely going to rush for a BIG-C sorority. "I think [the BIG-C] would not only educate me about different cultural aspects but also promote a strong sisterhood."
Unlike the IFC and Panhel, whose recruitment processes will be wrapping up later this month, the BIG-C has "no formalized rush," according to BIG-C President Jerryanne Heath.
Instead, the recruitment process for each of the eight dues-paying BIG-C chapters differs in terms of structure, timing and selectivity -- such as a minimum GPA requirement -- depending on guidelines set by the respective national boards.
The BIG-C is also unique in its housing situation and their reach beyond Penn's campus.
"None of our chapters have official houses," Heath said. "Our chapters are mostly metro or citywide chapters."
This feature facilitates the expansion of the BIG-C.
"It's a way for us to increase our numbers," Heath said. "Our organizations are historically African American, Asian American and Latino and because our member candidates come from those ethnic groups ... because those groups are so small at Penn, we have a small group of people to draw from."
Many students seem to agree on the size of the BIG-C's recruitment pool.
"It seems like a lot more people are doing Panhel," Engineering freshman Laurie Duncan said.
Nonetheless, Heath remains enthusiastic about the future of the BIG-C.
"We've taken in four new chapters over the past year alone. We look forward to this growing trend," Heath said. "If you look at what each chapter is doing over the semester, you'll see we're here to improve our community and that is how we get our name out there."
Yet, lack of name recognition is one obstacle the BIG-C may have to overcome in its bid to increase membership.
"I haven't heard of [the BIG-C]," Wharton junior Amir Thomas said. "I just did the regular frats."
However, many students not planning to rush also acknowledge the value of the organization.
"The BIG-C sounds like a good thing for promoting diversity," College freshman Veyom Bahl said.
